Shopping with a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills

By Quentin Fottrell

Lia Chang/ Lord & Taylor

She may be one of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” but reality TV star Adrienne Maloof is a bargain hunter at heart. She buys the store brands at Ralph’s and Target and shops with her debit card. Now, the co-owner of the Maloof group of companies, which includes the Sacramento Kings basketball team and Palms Spring Casino in Las Vegas, has designed her own line of not-quite-so affordable shoes for Charles Jourdan.

Pay Dirt spoke to Maloof at the launch in Lord & Taylor in New York.

How hands-on were you with the design?

When I was a child I played with Barbies, I always pulled the shoes out first and designed the outfit around the shoes. My whole life I wanted to design shoes.

So did you sketch out ideas that you liked?

Yes, I designed according to certain shoes I personally liked. I wanted these shoes for the everyday woman.

What do you think your name brings to the brand? People know you primarily through your television show?

I think they also know me for being part of a family business that’s been around for 150 years. My father had always taught us, ‘Don’t do something unless you do it right.’

When many people think of Beverly Hills they think of tiaras and Chihuahuas. On the television show, you appear to be the peacekeeper.

Somebody has to be the peacekeeper because at the end of the day you have to live and work with your family. Growing up in a family business you have to make it work. Being surrounded by all brothers, I had to figure it out.

How much do the shoes cost?

The princess edition is $1,500, but only 40 of those were made. The other prices range from around $150 to $250.

What’s the most expensive pair of shoes you own?

They cost around $2,800. Maybe $3,000. They were made by Gianfranco Ferré.

You say in the show it’s possible to have everything, but you have to be able to work for it. What do you get somebody who has everything? Do you do a Secret Santa in your family?

I have twin five-year-old sons and an eight-year-old son so for me Christmas is about giving and I like to give back.

Do you have a limit?

For my children, I think three toys-a-piece is good. That doesn’t include the presents their uncles buy them.

What did you think of Occupy Wall Street?

I don’t think we should move beyond anything too personal.

iPhone or Android?

I have both and my ringtone sounds like the Martians have landed.

Do you ever buy generic brands?

Yes, of course. Some generic brands are among the best.

Any examples?

We shop at Ralph’s — the generic brands are usually just as good as the rest. And Target’s are fantastic. There’s one brand in particular. I can’t think of it now, but it will come to me.

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About Pay Dirt

Pay Dirt examines the millions of consumer decisions Americans make every day: What to buy, how much to pay, whether to rave or complain. Lead written by Quentin Fottrell, the blog examines these interactions, providing readers with news, insight and tips on shopping, spending, customer service, and companies that do right – and wrong – by their customers. Send items, questions and comments to quentin.fottrell@dowjones.com or tweet @SMPayDirt.